The Conrad Challenge is a competition that takes students through the process of innovation and entrepreneurship. Teams of 2-5 students and a coach develop innovative solutions to global challenges. The challenge involves several stages, including brainstorming ideas, developing a business model using a Lean Canvas, creating an Innovation Brief and video, building a website, and finally pitching their innovation at the annual Innovation Summit.
Cycle sources checked November 4, 2026: the linked 2026–27 Student Guide, Activation page, Innovation page and rules confirm the milestone distinctions above. The guide explicitly dates October 29 and January 7 at 11:59 p.m. CT, while detailed calendar listings say January 7 at 11:59 p.m. CST. The overview also contains October 30/January 8 headings and conflicting repeated year labels; these differences are disclosed, not treated as verified deadline extensions.
The Innovation page schedules financial-aid applications November 2–December 3, 2026, finalist announcement February 26, 2027 and the Summit April 21–24, 2027. Aid opening, results and the Summit are not application deadline rows. The former exact January 7 deadline remains supported by the guide and detailed calendar. Rules separately price the Innovation team entry and Summit guest attendance; aid and payment instructions may depend on advancement. No subsequent-season dates or unannounced registration reopening are asserted.